East Canton council suspends City of Canton 3.4% water rate increase through Sept. 2025 and waives 2% surcharge

The East Canton Village Council approved Ordinance 2025-20 on third reading to suspend the City of Canton’s 3.4% base water rate increase that took effect March 31, 2025, and to waive the village’s 2% surcharge on the base rate for the period April 1, 2025, through the date the City of Canton’s new billing rate for 2026 becomes effective. The ordinance was introduced as an emergency measure and passed following a motion to suspend the rules and a roll-call vote. Council members discussed the timing of rate notifications and the need for earlier communication from Canton. One council member said rate notices should reach the council well in advance — "They should be telling us in January," — so the village can consider whether to waive increases before residents receive corrected bills. The ordinance text references compliance with the Ohio Revised Code’s open-meeting requirements and declares the measure necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, safety, convenience and welfare. Ending Council members asked staff to improve communication with the City of Canton and to ensure council receives notice of any future rate proposals in time to consider local waivers before billing cycles change.